Lower Control Arm Ball Joints

[oldoutboardjim]

Looks like these rascals are shot on my SVTF. Some questions:
1) Can the ball joints be replaced, or do you have to replace the entire control arm? I notice that the ball joint bracket is riveted in place.
2) How difficult?
3) Special tools?
4) How dangerous is this to drive until I get these replaced?
5) I am a pretty conservative driver. I would have thought these should last longer than 77,000 miles.
6) Does Ford make the best replacements, or are there some more robust aftermarket parts?
7) How much are the parts?
Thanks in advance!

[hafftrak]

http://forums.focaljet.com/suspension/6 ... d-end.html


You have to grind out the rivets and bolt the new ones in. it can be done on the car, but I have heard it is easier with the control arms removed.


I would look for aftermarket ones that are greaseable. I believe the Moog ones are.

[02svtfocus]

it is possible to replace just the ball joints themselves....i recently did them at about 74000 miles. mine were clicking for a long time....should have done them sooner but it was still drivable for about 5k miles . no special tools just a grinder to take the rivets off and normal ratchet and sockets for the control arms. ford does not sell just the ball joints they sell the whole arm, but i can get just the ball joints at my auto parts store (moogs) and as far as price....im sure i could get you a good deal on them! ooo and for both sides it took me about 4 hours, had a hard time with the passenger side not fitting back together (long story).

Any questions just PM me

Ryan

[oldoutboardjim]

I have two Moog replacements on order. Thanks for the advice!

[focinite]

i would pay the extra 100 bucks not to grind/drill and bend the old ones out. id just buy the whole sha-bang.